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Want to upgrade your home to a smart home but don't know where to start? Our guide will take you through the benefits of smart home technology, the different types of devices on the market, and things to consider when you're buying!

Appliances

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The biggest perk of smart home technology is that it does the work for you – you can trigger actions with voice commands if your hands are full, or through an app while you’re cozy in bed. Plus, it gives you the ability to control things even when you’re not home, allowing you to monitor your house while you’re on vacation or check to make sure you remembered to lock the door while you’re at work.

Customizability

Just set it and forget it! Smart tech allows you to set things just the way you like them, and remembers your preferences in the future. That means you don’t have to mess with the dimmer switch or home audio levels every time you use them.

Cost & Energy Efficiency

While smart home tech can be an investment, you’ll most likely end up saving money and energy in the long run. You can monitor your energy usage to identify power drains, and set timers and schedules to turn off lights, appliances, and temperature regulation when you’re not using them.

Smart plugs allow you to control whatever is plugged into the outlet from your phone or other device. That means the power to turn on the coffeemaker from the comfort of your bed, or switch off a lamp without getting up from the couch. Most smart plugs will allow you to set timers or schedules so you can turn off appliances that drain power while you’re away from home and not using them. They can also help you monitor and regulate your energy usage to give you more control over your electricity bill.

Smart bulbs let you turn lights on and off with voice commands, set and save preferred lighting levels for different times of day, and even change colors to act as alerts. It's a great way to get more granular control over your lighting if you have a single light switch that controls a whole room's worth of lights. You can even control them when you’re away from home so that it looks like people are in the house!

Perhaps the most well-known smart home devices are home security systems. While some still require installation, many security systems are easy to set up yourself using wireless cameras and sensors that detect motion or noise. Most can be controlled via app, so you can have alerts sent to your phone if there’s any suspicious activity. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your door via phone or even by proximity. You can also find smart versions of doorbells, garage door openers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and leak or freeze sensors if home security is your top priority.

Child & Pet Monitoring

It’s easier than ever to keep an eye on the baby or pet when you’re in another room or away from home. Wifi-enabled baby monitors can send push notifications to your phone, and pet tech comes equipped with two-way sound, treat dispensers, and even laser pointers so you can interact with your pet while you’re away.

One of the first smart home devices, smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and be set on schedules so they’re not needlessly heating or cooling the house when you’re not home. No need to wonder whether or not you remembered to turn it up or down before you left home—you can change it from your phone no matter where you are.

Entertainment

No more need to keep track of ten different remotes for your home entertainment system. Smart TVs and speakers can play with simple voice commands, and remember your favorite shows and artists. Set volume levels and other preferences to be remembered so you don’t have to fiddle with the settings to get things just the way you like them. Some wireless speakers come with software like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control other devices, make online orders, schedule reminders, and more.

You can get a smart version of almost any household appliance these days, from bluetooth-enabled crockpots and microwaves to robotic cleaning assistants that vacuum and even mop on their own. Even larger appliances like fridges, dishwashers, and washers and dryers can be found with wifi and bluetooth capabilities so you can control them with your phone.

Garden & Outdoor

Smart sprinkler systems let you set and maintain the perfect watering system for your yard without going in and out all day. Soil sensors can monitor the conditions of your plants and even suggest what will grow the best in that area. You can even find pool cleaners and lawn mowers that can be run remotely, saving you from dreaded chores.

Things to Consider

Do You Need a Hub?

If you’re buying a kit, like a home security system or a set of smart plugs, it may come with a wireless hub that allows you to control all your devices from one location. If not, you may want to purchase a hub or a voice assistant (like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant) to help you manage your devices.

Compatibility

Not all smart devices are compatible, so make sure the device you’re considering will work with any devices you already have, as well as your phone.

Wired vs. Wireless

Many smart devices are wireless, but some need to be plugged in to power or even your router. Wireless devices are convenient, but they will need to charge or have batteries changed out, which can be drawbacks depending on your needs.

Service Plans & Subscriptions

Some systems require a monthly subscription fee for services like cloud storage and backup, or automatically alerting the authorities when alarms are triggered. If your needs are basic, look for devices or systems that don’t require a subscription to minimize your costs.

Range

Because many smart devices rely on Bluetooth or wifi connections, they may have a limited range. Make sure the devices you’re considering have range that matches the size of the area they’ll be covering.

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